Mental Health
In CUPPA, we respect each other and the different circumstances we may be experiencing. We encourage our faculty, staff, and students to use the services provided by the university, to get more information, to be flexible, and to treat each other with kindness and compassion. We focus on community problem solving - we strive for just, resilient, and livable communities. And that means starting right here at home in CUPPA Hall and at UIC.
Meet Isaias Ponpa, CUPPA Wellness Specialist Heading link
Isaias Ponpa is a graduate student in his final year at the UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. Isaias is serving as CUPPA’s Wellness Specialist through the Office of Student Health and Wellbeing.
Isaias is motivated by the reality that a person’s college years and early adulthood are crucial to their success. Within his role as CUPPA Wellness Specialist, Isaias will provide solution-focused counseling, case management services, and host events and workshops for students.
Isaias grew up in Aurora, IL, and received his BA in Psychology and Communication Studies from DePaul University in 2023. He decided to pursue his Master of Social Work straight after his undergraduate tenure to achieve a career role in his interest of working in higher education for college students of all journeys and experiences.
Upon graduating in May 2025, Isaias will pursue licensure as a clinical social worker and hopes to continue working to support young adults within colleges and universities. His extracurricular interests include music, such as singing and playing guitar, playing and watching soccer, and supporting his favorite soccer team, Manchester United.
Email Isaias at CUPPAwellness@uic.edu or schedule an appointment with him on his calendar.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988
After Hours UIC Counseling Center 312-996-3490 and press “2”
Helpful Resources on Campus Heading link
For a full list of resources at UIC, visit the Office of the Dean of Students.
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at UIC assists students with diagnosed medical and mental health conditions to obtain learning accommodation services essential to student success. DRC serves over 1500 undergraduate, graduate, professional, and health-science students across UIC to protect the rights of college students with disabilities to full and equal access to their college experience.
Phone: 312-413-2183; drc@uic.edu
UIC Counseling Center offers free short-term mental health care for enrolled UIC students. The Center also assists with referrals to community providers for longer-term care on a sliding scale fee basis, when needed. The Counseling Center’s website offers a wealth of information helpful to students and those concerned for them, including short self-assessments to help you gauge your symptoms.
Phone: 312-996-3490
The Office of the Dean of Students at UIC is a campus leader fostering a caring and supportive environment where all students matter. The office helps students resolve issues so students can focus on academic and social development at the university.
Phone: (312) 996-4857; dos@uic.edu
The UIC Wellness Center provides accurate and relevant wellness information, educational programs and events, and skill-building activities to encourage students, staff, and faculty to make healthy choices. Services include the UIC Pop-Up Food Pantry, Housing Insecurity Assistance, and so much more.
Phone: (312) 413-2120; wellnesscenter@uic.edu
Additional Information Heading link
The US Department of Education
- Protecting Students With Disabilities
- The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and US Department of Education Office for Civic Rights: